Many entrepreneurs look for a mentor for business advice, but these experienced individuals can also provide help in other areas.

Context

When it comes to business, you’ve likely heard a lot of advice. Some of it may not seem applicable or useful to you, but as an entrepreneur, one piece of advice you need to listen to is to find a mentor. Mentors can be incredibly helpful in a number of ways. These experienced individuals have made their way through the challenges of running a business and emerged successful. They understand the roadblocks you’ll be facing, and they can help you get past them. They’ve also made a lot of mistakes over the years, and they can keep you from making the same ones.

But mentors can do more than simply help you with business. They can coach you in balancing your life. They can give you tips on interacting with others. They can even help you determine what your personal goals are in regards to your company and more. Here are some more specific reasons on why you need to find a life-changing mentor to council you on things that aren’t necessarily business-related.

They Help You Take (or Not Take) Risks

As an entrepreneur, you’re used to taking financial risks. These risks often work out because you’ve carefully considered every aspect and you understand how these aspects will affect your investment. You know finances. Unfortunately, you may not know how to properly judge risks taken in relationships, your health, and other areas. Because you’ve become accustomed to taking risks in business, you may unconsciously start taking risks in these other areas. These risks may not always turn out as well since you may not be able to judge them as easily.

Your life mentor will be able to help you see where taking risks with your health, family, and future isn’t a good idea. They may also be able to give you tips for making decisions in these areas that aren’t as risky. If you have taken risks and are hurting, they may be able to give you some advice on how to turn things around.

They Will Remind You to Take Care of Yourself

As an entrepreneur, you can get a little too caught up in your business. Your mentor may notice that you’re starting to look a little worn down. Your spouse, family, and others who see you regularly may not necessarily notice that you’re getting a little more tired each day. Your mentor, if you don’t see them all the time, might. They can point out when you need to take a vacation and give you some reasons why staying both physically and mentally fit is very important for your job.

You Take on Traits of Those You Spent Time With

This isn’t just a vague notion—the New England Journal of Medicine actually did a study that determined people do become more like those they spend a good amount of time with. If you spend time with successful people, you’re likely to pick up some of their good business habits. You also want to be sure those you’re spending time with are upbeat and positive. If you’re around negative people all the time, you’ll start to view the world negatively. That can lead to making a number of poor business decisions.

Join Them at Connection Events

Another thing your mentor can do for you is open doors. They may know of events where you can meet and mingle with many of the big names in your industry. You might not be able to get an invitation to these events on your own, but your mentor may have the pull to secure a spot on the guest list and bring you along. If you don’t have a mentor and get invited to one of these events, it’s a good place to find one.

Attending events and listening to after dinner speakers is also a great way to learn some tips for being successful. These speakers often talk about ways of balancing work and home life, learning how to communicate better, and more. You can learn a lot from these speakers, so don’t miss an opportunity to hear one.

Mentors Can Teach You about Other Areas

Mentors may have worked in a number of different areas over the years, and they can teach you about these areas. They might be able to teach you some skills related to finances, manufacturing, and other areas that aren’t immediately related to the industry you’re in. In some cases, you may not see an immediate connection between what your mentor is teaching you and your business, but often, you’ll later find some way to make use of that information.

They Can Provide You with a Recommended Reading List

When you’re looking for a mentor, you likely look at what books or articles that they’ve published. You’ve probably read just about everything on their bibliography. But in addition to reading what your mentor has written, your mentor can give you a recommended reading list. These books and articles may be related to business, but they might also be on other topics. You might find yourself reading history books, biographies, self-help books, and more. Even if your mentor is suggesting a book you think sounds odd, give it a try. You can learn a lot of great life lessons from reading.

They’re a Neutral Outside Party

Mentors can often serve as a neutral observer, giving you an opinion that isn’t biased. They don’t have to take sides in any argument or decision, so you can trust that they will give you their honest opinion. This is great if you’re uncertain about a business decision, but it can also be helpful for many other areas, too. If you’re uncertain about a decision, talk to your mentor about it. They not only have business experience to share, but they also have life experience. If they’re willing, you can draw on that experience. Just remember that your mentor is likely still an active entrepreneur themselves. Don’t take up more of their time than they’re willing to give.